Sir James Smyth, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Smyth, 1st Baronet (born around 1686 – died 28 February 1717) was an important person in British history. He held the title of baronet, which is a special rank of honor given by the King or Queen. This title is passed down through families.

Who Was Sir James Smyth?

Sir James Smyth was the only son of a man also named Sir James Smyth. His father was a successful cloth merchant in London, known as a "draper." He even served as the Lord Mayor of London from 1684 to 1685. Sir James Smyth's mother was Elizabeth Shirley. His father passed away in 1706 when James was about 20 years old.

Early Life and Education

James Smyth was born around 1686. When he was 16, in 1702, he went to Balliol College, Oxford, which is a famous university. After his father died in 1706, James inherited his family's property and wealth.

Becoming a Baronet

On December 2, 1714, James Smyth was given the title of baronet by the King. This made him the 1st Baronet in his family line. Around the same time, from 1714 to 1715, he also served as the High Sheriff of Sussex. This was an important job, like being the chief law enforcement officer for the county.

His Family and Later Life

Sir James Smyth married a woman named Mirabella Legard. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Legard, who held a high position in the legal system called a Master in Chancery. Sadly, Mirabella passed away on February 21, 1714, when she was only 29 years old.

Sir James Smyth himself died a few years later, on February 28, 1717. He was only 31 years old. Both he and his wife were buried with his parents in a place called West Ham. After his death, his only son, Robert, took over the baronet title.

The Next Generations

Sir Robert Smyth, 2nd Baronet

Sir Robert Smyth, the 2nd Baronet, was born around 1709. He married Louisa Caroline Isabella Hervey in 1731. She was the youngest daughter of a very important person, John Hervey, 1st Earl of Bristol. Louisa passed away in 1770, and Sir Robert died in 1783 when he was 74. They were both buried together. Their only son, Hervey, became the next baronet.

Sir Hervey Smyth, 3rd Baronet

Sir Hervey Smyth, 3rd Baronet, was born in 1734. He had an exciting career! He became a Page of Honour to King George II of Great Britain, which meant he was a special attendant to the King.

Later, he became an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to General James Wolfe. He was with General Wolfe during the important siege of Quebec in 1759. This was a major battle in Canadian history. After that, he became a Colonel in the Foot Guards, which is a part of the British Army.

Sir Hervey Smyth never married. He passed away on October 2, 1811, at the age of 77. Because he had no children, the baronet title ended with him. His only sister, Anna Mirabella Henrietta, married William Beale Brand in 1761.